John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (NASB) HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR: Psalm 23 1. LIVING WITHOUT FEAR BEGINS BY SUBMITTING TO JESUS’ LEADERSHIP. 1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Isaiah 53:6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. Being able to say, The Lord is MY shepherd is the beginning of a fearless life. Rest, peace, strength, direction in life…. 2. LIVING WITHOUT FEAR IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF ENEMIES OR DISCOMFORT. IT’S FEASTING ON GOD’S PROVISION IN THE MIDST OF THEM. 3-5 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. Genesis 4:7 Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 3. LIVING WITHOUT FEAR IS FUELED BY THE ABUNDANT NATURE OF GOD. 5-6 You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. (NASB) 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.